Texas House Bill HB1445

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to measures to support or enhance graduate medical education in this state, including the transfer of assets following the dissolution of the Texas Medical Liability Insurance Underwriting Association.

Summary

House Bill 1445 addresses the need for measures to support and enhance graduate medical education in Texas. It establishes a permanent fund that ensures the funding of programs aimed at bolstering the state's medical training infrastructure. This initiative particularly targets graduate medical residency programs that face critical shortages, aiming to increase the number of physicians in specialties deemed necessary for the state's healthcare system. The bill stipulates the administration of this fund by the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company, which will manage investments and distributions to medical education initiatives. The bill introduces the Critical Shortage Physician Grant Program, which aims to provide financial assistance to teaching hospitals for developing and expanding residency programs in specialties where there is a deficit of trained physicians. By defining criteria for identifying critical shortage levels, the bill seeks to align state efforts with those indicated by national guidelines. This program is pivotal in adjusting the state's medical workforce to meet current and future healthcare demands, ensuring a well-distributed supply of qualified medical professionals across Texas. Moreover, the legislation outlines strict reporting and compliance measures for grant recipients to ensure accountability in the use of public funds. Failure to adhere to these regulations could result in a reduction or withholding of financial assistance. These measures are intended to foster a culture of transparency and responsible fund management among institutions receiving grants. Notably, the bill includes provisions concerning the dissolution of the Texas Medical Liability Insurance Underwriting Association. It sets out conditions under which the association may be reactivated if certain criteria are met, such as if healthcare providers are unable to secure medical liability insurance post-dissolution. This aspect of the bill highlights the importance of ensuring medical professionals have access to necessary insurance coverage, which is vital to maintaining a stable and robust healthcare system in Texas.